The former Commodores singer, who is father to fashion designer/TV star Nicole Richie, says he knows what Billy Ray must be going though because he went through the same type of thing when his daughter struggled with drug problems.

"Dad to Dad, I've been Billy Ray," Richie said on TV show omg! Insider. "When you have a teenage daughter growing up in Hollywood, in the business, I mean, what I went through with Nicole, God bless Billy Ray. Honestly, there is no control.

"(Miley) is just going through a period in her life and we're actually going to grit our teeth and hold our breath. I did the same thing. It's one of those things where you have to say, 'Please God let it be over soon.' That's where she is in her space and this is her expression and that's what it's all about."

But Billy Ray has spoken up about his daughter's video, supporting her the whole way.

"It wouldn't have mattered if Miley would have worn jeans and a flannel shirt ...a Tux ...or a nun's habit," he told Entertainment Tonight during an interview on Wednesday. "The song's a smash ...and her performance vocally on the tune reflects her roots and sheer God given talent."

Miley also spoke out about the tune on Wednesday, telling New York DJ Elvis Duran, "Kind of anything that I do at this point it becomes such this big deal and for me,” she said. “I’m just having fun, and whatever people label it as, it doesn’t really matter, I’m just having fun.”